Carlos Zambrano kept the Cubs even with the D-backs for six frames, but the bullpen did not fare as well in the NLDS opener. Carlos Marmol allowed a home run to the first batter he faced, and Chicago could not mount any offense other than Ryan Theriot's infield RBI single in the sixth inning.

Brandon Webb seemed completely unfazed by his postseason debut, striking out nine over seven splendid innings to give the D-backs a leg up in the series. Stephen Drew delivered a tape-measure home run for the first run, and Mark Reynolds' solo shot put Arizona ahead for good.